WE HELPED REBUILD ROMELU
Chelsea outcast thrived during his loan spell at the Hawthorns, says McAuley
GARETH McAULEY has put West Brom on alert ahead of their clash with Baggies old boy Romelu Lukaku by claiming Albion gave the striker his confidence in front of goal.
The Belgium striker has 18 Premier League goals this term and has been offered a new £110,000-a-week contract at Goodison Park. But McAuley recalls when the youngster went to the Hawthorns on loan in 20122013 from Chelsea after a lack of opportunities. McAuley admits Lukaku was a bit down having struggled at Stamford Bridge following an £18million move from Anderlecht in 2011. Yet he ended up with 17 league goals, including a hat-trick against Manchester United, to help Steve Clarke’s side finish eighth with 49 points in a fine season.
A subsequent successful loan at Everton saw him make a permanent £28m switch in 2014 and the 23-year-old will have Albion in his sights today.
West Brom defender McAuley, 37, said: “He was quite low on confidence when he came here from Chelsea.
“That soon changed and he showed what a fantastic player he was here. He came here and really blossomed.
“He’s still well-liked and respected among the players here and the supporters take to him every time he comes back.
“He’s a handful, a goalscorer as well, so we’ll have to be at our best.
“But that’s what drives you and that challenge is what keeps you going. Every week’s a challenge, every game and every player you play against.”
Albion are four points behind Everton in the chase for Europe and on course for their best-ever Premier League points total.
Boss Tony Pulis continues to play Salomon Rondon up front despite the Venezuelan not scoring in 12 matches.
McAuley added: “Things are not quite falling for him. He’s a little bit frustrated himself, but the goals will come.
“He’s showing his qualities and can score goals.
“If he gets in the right positions hopefully he can notch a few for us.
“The work he does for us is unquestionable and we really appreciate it all.
“The opposition defenders always know they’ve been in a game when they play against Salomon.”